Manaslu is the eighth highest mountain in the world, with a summit elevation of 8,163 meters (26,781 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Mansiri Himalaya range of Nepal, just east of the Annapurna massif.

The name "Manaslu" means "Mountain of the Spirit" in the local language, referring to the mountain's role as a sacred site for many ethnic groups in the region. Manaslu is known for its technical and challenging terrain, with steep faces and exposed ridges leading to the summit.

The first successful ascent of Manaslu was made in 1956 by a Japanese team led by Toshio Imanishi. Since then, the mountain has been climbed by a number of elite mountaineers, including Reinhold Messner and Jerzy Kukuczka.

The area surrounding Manaslu is home to a variety of ethnic groups, including the Gurung, Tamang, and Sherpa people, who have a rich cultural heritage and are renowned for their mountaineering skills. The region is also home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species such as the snow leopard and the Himalayan black bear.

Manaslu is a popular destination for mountaineering, with several routes leading to the summit. The mountain is often climbed by experienced mountaineers as part of a training expedition for Everest or other 8,000-meter peaks.